Subscribe to Podcast

Portable media has definitely come a long way, and today its very much possible to take terabyes of data in small boxes that easily attaches to any computer without any fuss. Imagine that before portable HDDs became popular, we were lugging clunky DVDs that could only handle 4GBs (or 9) of data and we had to bring stacks of them. Well, it’s a good thing those days are behind us, but the main limitation of current USB 2.0 drives is the speed – they’re just not that fast. So USB 3.0 came along, and since Toshiba is offering their new line of said USB 3.0 devices called the “Canvio” line, we deemed it was prudent to check them out and see what they can offer. So check out our video review (and more) of these devices after the jump!

Toshiba Canvio Connect – around PHP 3,000

500GB / 1TB / 2TB

USB 3.0

Free Backup software, Pogoplug software ($30), & 10GB Cloud Storage

PC up to Windows 8 & Mac

Blue, Red, Black, Silver, White

The Toshiba Canvio Connect is a step above their basic model and brings in some connectivity features – hence the name. Aside from the preinstalled backup software, it has a free lifetime subscription to Pogoplug. Software that, when installed will give you the ability to turn your portable hard drive into a Cloud-accessible storage. (That’s basically 500GB or so of Cloud.) The capability comes for the price of needing your PC always-on when you want to access it though, and potential use of your internet connection. The upside though, is there are apps available for iOS and Android phones which lets you browse and manipulate (and/or copy) content from your Cloud-enabled drive to your mobile device. If you’re a “connected” type of person and/or just can’t leave the house without access to his pictures or movies, a Canvio Connect might be a good pick for you. There’s also a free 10GB Cloud space separate so you can opt to use that like you would the usual Dropbox, if you will.

Pros:

USB 3.0 Transfer Speeds

Pogoplug Cloud Software

Faster than your average portable HDD

Cons:

Not all USB 2.0 ports work

To use Pogoplug, PC needs to be turned on with internet access

Toshiba Canvio Slim – around PHP 3,500

500GB / 1TB

USB 3.0 (blue light)

Password Lockable, Free Backup software

PC up to Windows 8 & Mac

Silver, Black

The Canvio Slim on the other hand, is noticeably a lot more sleeker with its brushed aluminum material – and as suggested by the name, is slim. That’s for the 500GB version though, as the 1TB version is slightly thicker. Either way, they’re both very great looking portable hard drives that come with password-locking software and the backup software similar to the one you’d find on the Canvio Connect. The Slim provides better transfer speeds in our tests and has a blue light if used on a USB 3.0 port. This version doesn’t have the Pogoplug software available, but the successor called Slim II has that if you’re interested. That said, the Slim version 1 is perfectly adequate if you don’t need the cloud capabilities.

Pros:

USB 3.0 Transfer Speeds

Faster than your average portable HDD

Slim brushed aluminum design

Cons:

Not all USB 2.0 ports work

Slim 1TB version is not so slim

We think both Canvios are great portable drives to pick up even if you don’t have a USB 3.0 port and/or the need for cloud storage. (But they’d be bonuses if you decide to utilize those features later on.) Both products should be available now at your most convenient Toshiba retailers so check them out if you’re looking for some much needed portable space.